Agriculture Viability Project
The Department of Agriculture awarded CRCOG an Agriculture Viability grant to develop model farm-friendly regulations and policies in 2006. The grant program is the product of Public Act 05-228, which established new funding for municipal open space grants, farm viability and preservation, historic preservation and affordable housing. CRCOG’s project aimed to promote and support agriculture as an economic development activity throughout the region. CRCOG staff, with assistance from the American Farmland Trust, the Connecticut Farm Bureau, and UCONN Cooperative Extension worked with producers, planners, zoning enforcement officers and other local officials in 11 participating municipalities to identify concerns with the local regulatory environment and develop model farm-friendly zoning regulations.
A lack of consistency in regulations across towns emerged as a major concern to farm businesses through a series of meetings and interviews. Therefore, the recommendations include broad concepts and frameworks that, if adopted by towns, would create a more consistent regulatory environment for farm business owners, many of whom work land in multiple communities. The recommendations address definitions of agriculture and farming, farm stands, on-site processing and sales, signs, and alternative uses of farms. The recommended language can be incorporated into regulations as written, or adapted to local needs, through changes to specific details such as frontage requirements, building sizes and setbacks. CRCOG encourages planning & zoning commission in all communities in the region to consider implementing the farm-friendly concepts developed through this project. For further information, contact Rebecca Augur, raugur@crcog.org or 522-2217 ext. 29.
Follow the link below to the final report.
Agricultural Viability Model Regulation Final Report |
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